Happy Birthday to Me!

Hello lovelies!

So today is my birthday!

Well, there's only about half an hour of my birthday left as I'm writing this, but I'm gonna celebrate until the end! x3

(This ended up being posted after midnight so it says November 3rd...woops. xD)

I'm honestly a little overwhelmed...

First by all of the love I received today!

I didn't expect such an out pour of heartfelt text messages, Facebook posts, and phone calls...knowing that I can make you all happy makes me so happy too.  I'm so grateful to have you all in my life, and thinking about it just brings me to tears.  

Don't worry, they're good tears!  I haven't cried tears of joy in a long time, so it's actually a good feeling, even if it is a little overwhelming.  

Anyway, today was a lot of fun!

Let's go through the day with some photos, shall we? :D

I invited a few close friends over for a tea party, and I tried out a new make up style.  I like it a lot!  It's very natural and fresh!  I wore a simple black dress from Topshop, a wide-brimmed black hat from H&M, a pearl necklace from my grandmother, and white gloves from my great aunt Jeannie.  I was channeling Audrey Hepburn. ;)

Big birthday smile!

And a big birthday cake!  This thing is HUGE!  And it's snickerdoodle flavored!  It was so tasty, but we could each only eat one thin slice because it was super rich.  I'll be giving out cake all this week! xD  It made me very happy though.  Isn't it pretty?

Good cake and good friends!  I love these girls. <3

Seriously, this is after cutting four slices. xD

Meet Merlin!  He's my new magical unicorn friend! 8D  Bethany and Becca put their monies together to get him for me.  I went away to wash my hands for a moment, and the next thing I know they pull this out of nowhere!  I was completely in shock! xD  Needless to say, this guy is gonna be my snuggle buddy all winter long.

I did have choir rehearsal tonight.  We started our rehearsals for Vespers, our big Christmas concert in December.  I decided to wear the birthday sash and my birthday tiara from last year because I like the attention.  I'm just being honest. xD  I sat with a group of very nice Freshman in the alto section, and they said they'd be calling me 'birthday girl' until they remembered my name.

Back at home, I switched into full pink wear!  Merlin and I match! xD

Now I'm all settled in under the covers with some hot tea.  My birthday this year may not have been big or flashy, but it made me very happy.  A few good friends to make you smile is all you need, right?

I'll leave you with my new favorite birthday song that my Mom's friend sent me.

A little back story on her: Suzu, as she goes on Facebook, is the person who introduced me to Japanese music, even though I didn't know it at the time.  When I was an infant, she played me "Blue Oyster" by Japanese rock band Shounen Knife. My mom blames her for my affinity for Japanese music. xD

Today she shared with me another song by Shounen Knife, simply titled "Birthday."

I was expecting something wacky and strange, which is what Shounen Knife is known for, but when I pressed play, I started to cry.  The song is so simple, but it's so sweet that you can't help but be happy when you listen to it, and the organ adds a nostalgic touch.  I'll be listening to this every year on my birthday from now on, and hopefully I can sing it for someone else on their birthday too.  Maybe I'll sing it for Suzu. ;)

Thank you to everyone who helped make my birthday special!

Thank you so much for reading, and I'll see you next time!

xoxo

Martha

Theatre Minor

Good Evening, lovelies!

It's been a long, busy week.

Midterms started on Tuesday, I got my piano exam out of the way, and I did pretty well I think!

I always get nervous when playing the piano.  It's so different than singing in front of people! x3

Anyway, the main reason for this post is...

I've completed a Theatre Minor and have added it to my degree!

Those of you who have been reading for a while know that I major in Music Business, and I switched to my current major after two years in the theatre department at my University.  A few weeks ago, I found out that I had enough credits to add a theatre minor to my degree, and I finished the paperwork this week!

That bright orange though...

I'm so happy that I have something to show for the two years of work that I put into the theatre department, and I got to see some of my professors who I haven't seen in a long time.  I was especially happy to see Sara, who taught the theatre administration classes I took, and Barbara, who taught design classes and mentored me while I was working as the Assistant Props Master for Cinderella.  

I'm also pleased that I can add this to my resume, as it shows potential employers that I have a wide variety of skills to offer in the work force.

That's something I've been thinking about a lot...getting a job once I graduate. 

I know it's still in the Fall semester, but mid terms are happening, people!!!  The semester is going by fast!

Come Spring Break, I'll be starting the job application process, and I'll be leaving part of my future in other people's hands...it's kind of scary.

But exciting too.  As my acting professor Denise said on Tuesday, it's time for me to spread my wings.

My future is uncertain, but I have some tools to get through it.  I'm sure other seniors are starting to feel the pressure of graduation right about now too...

But enough with all the serious stuff!  Tomorrow is Friday and there's fun stuff to do on the weekend!

Good night everyone, and Happy Friday Eve!

xoxo

Martha

Weekend!!!

I only have two classes on Fridays, so I usually count Thursday night as the start of my weekend

xD

It might sound a bit frivolous, but it makes me feel great!

It's been a long week, so this weekend is much needed.

But it won't be all sleeping and doing nothing, since I still have some work to do!

I'll be recording for Gamer Girls this weekend, as well as practicing my repertoire for voice lessons.

The piece I'm working on right now is "Porgi, Amor" from The Marriage of Figaro.

I love singing Italian arias...the language is beautiful and I think it lends itself to the dramatic.

Take a listen to the fabulous Mirella Freni singing it:

Isn't it wonderful?

I always seem to love the dramatic, depressing arias best.

Is that sadistic...?

XD

I just think they're so much fun to sing...and the music for them is much meatier than the happier arias.

Once I've polished it some more and gotten it up on its feet, I'll upload myself singing it during my voice lesson to YouTube.

I hope you'll look forward to it!

Anyway...

I'll be taking some time this weekend to catch up on some anime and cartoons.

I'm still watching AKB0048: Next Stage, and I need to watch the newest episode of Sailor Moon Crystal.  I'll probably finish up Justice League as well.  I can't believe I'm almost finished with it! T__T

I've really gotten into the DC Universe recently, especially the Justice League.  But at least there's still Justice League Unlimited, right?

I've turned into a superhero addict.

And I'm still on my quest to find Season 2 of Young Justice since Netflix doesn't have it.

Anyway, I'll be productive this weekend, but I'll have plenty of time to relax too.

Have a good night everyone, and Happy Weekend!

xoxo

Martha